The National Football League is a traditional American football tournament that has maintained global prominence since1920. The NFL more more viewership globally each year. The league has gained so much credibility that even the preseason games attract a record viewership. But why should it? The preseason determines the league, and in this article, we discuss the most devastating injuries in the 2021 NFL preseason.
Most Devastating Season-Ending Injuries in 2021 NFL Preseason
The preseason is the period when NFL teams play exhibition games before the actual competition begins. But sadly, during these games, some players get injuries that keep them out for long periods or even rule them out of the entire season.
Below, we have highlighted the top 3 most devastating season-ending injuries in the just concluded 2021 NFL preseason.
Top 3 Season-Ending Injuries in 2021 NFL Preseason
Here are the top 3 most defining season-ending injuries in the 2021 MFL season. Not only did these injuries affect the plans of the coach for the season, but also had a great impact on the team.
Let’s check them out below:
1. Travis Etienne Jr. – Running Back [Jacksonville Jaguars]
Travis Etienne is one of the most promising football running back who plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was drafted for the 2021 NFL season by the Jaguars after an impressive spell with the Clemson Tigers.
But sadly, he suffered a devastating injury that prevented him from competing in the 2021 NFL season.
The No. 25 was expected to operate in the backfield as a pass-catching back, but was ruled out for the entire season due to a foot injury.
Before his season-ending injury, the team had high hopes that Travis would replicate his excellent record for the Clemson Tigers. He had 70 touchdowns, and caught 102 passes for 1,115 yards during his four years with the Clemson Tigers.
As a result of the injury, coach Urban Meyer had to make a change to their plans for the season. But pundits and NFL analysts claim that Travis will have no problem getting back into the team after he recovers from the injury.
Sadly, the Jacksonville Jaguars could register only three wins in the entire 2021 NFL season.
2. Carl Lawson – Defensive End [New York Jets]
In order to improve on their 2020 season when they registered just 31 sacks, the New York Jets knew they needed an experienced defensive end.
They had to dig deep into the bank to acquire the signature of the highly-rated Carl Lawson, who has enjoyed a three-year spell with the Cincinnati Bengals for a record $45 million.
During his time with the Bengals, Lawson got an impressive 81 tackles, 2 forced dribbles, 20 sacks, and 83 quarterback hits. But sadly, the Jet fans were unable to see what Lawson can deliver in the 2021 NFL season.
The player who was predicted to immediately impact the team suffered an Achilles injury that ended his season.
Since it was too late for a high-profile replacement, Coach Robert Saleh had to call on Ronald Blair and John Franklin as the nake-up edge rushers for the season.
Ronald Blair didn’t feature for the Jets in last season, while Franklin-Myers could only record three sacks in the entire season.
Sadly, the New York Jets did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2022.
3. Cam Akers – Running Back [Los Angeles Rams]
After an impressive spell with Florida coupled with a stellar second round in the NFL Draft 2020 with the Los Angeles Rams, Akers was a highly ranked player.
As a rookie in the 2020 NFL Draft, Cam Akers impressed his coaches and the fans with a record of 145 rushes for 625 yards and 3 touchdowns. All of these came in just 13 games, in which he started 5, for the Rams.
After his impressive 2020 season, there was nothing stopping Akers from becoming one of the first names on the team sheet during the 2021 NFL season.
But this was not meant to be, the player picked up an injury in the preseason. He suffered a torn Achilles in training during the preseason that ended his entire NFL 2021 season.
Coach Sean McVay had to make do with Darrell Henderson as first choice running back for the season. During his two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, Henderson had only managed 28 games, in which he started 11.
However, the Rams clinched a playoff berth in the 2021 NFL season.
Conclusion
Gladly, all three players have fully recovered from their injuries and will be available for selection in the 2022 NFL season.
Fans will witness what they wished for last season as they hope their teams go all the way to lift the 2022 NFL trophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the 2022 NFL Preseason start?
The 2022 NFL Preseason will start on Thursday, 4 August 2022, and end on Sunday, 28 August 2022.
2. What is the importance of the NFL preseason?
The preseason allows players to build their strength, fitness, and agility in preparation for the coming season.
3. What would happen if a player refused to play exhibition games during the preseason?
When a player refuses to play during the preseason, not only do they risk not featuring during the season, they can be fined $30,000 per game.
4. Are players paid during preseason?
Yes, players are paid during the preseason. Players who do not have a contract receive per diem of about $850 weekly.
5. Which NFL team experienced the most injuries in 2021?
The NFL team with the highest injuries in 2021 was the New York Giants.
